By Mark David Blum, Esq.
A new group of Bullies is attempting to set up shop in Syracuse. No, I am not talking about Cops, or Crips, or Crooks, or ‘Cons. Instead, I am talking basketball. Professional basketball is attempting to come to Syracuse and the team is intending to name itself the Syracuse Bullies.
My home is a basketball home and few in this world Jones over Basketball more than do I. Hoop Dreams run rampant and the months from March to June are my peak sports periods. Between the NCAA tournament and the NBA finals, well it is just freakin fantastic.
After Hurricane Katrina destroyed New Orleans, I suggested here that Syracuse attempt to bring the New Orleans Saints to a new home. Most folks scoffed at the idea. I am convinced that Syracuse could support a professional team. The Carrier Dome seats more folks than the home of the Lakers or the Knicks. Basketball is a religion in some parts of this community. We adore and worship the teams that play up on Heartbreak Ridge (aka the ‘Hill’).
Now, some Rochester business man thinks Syracuse is ready for the ‘Not Ready for Prime Time NBA’ basketball team. A new professional league is starting to expand. It is called the ABA – American Basketball Association. If memory serves, we used to have just such a league until it melded into what is now known as the NBA.
The organizer thinks Syracuse is ready for a professional team whose schedule would run against and compete with Syracuse University. Moreover, this organizer also thinks by trimming 3 seconds off the time to bring the ball upcourt, adding a four point shot from behind the half court line, and by having random Bonus Basket moments when an extra point will be added to any shot. Apparently, this new league is a mashup of washout basketball players and TV game show hosts. They want to label the new game as being ‘fan friendly’.
So into our homes is intending to come this new Fan Friendly team of Bullies. I for one will not support this team for the singular reason of their team name. A team represents the community that feeds them. They want our money for tickets and they want to represent Syracuse to the world. Calling themselves Bullies is just shameful; unless they are intending on a team of Dennis Rodmans and the Hanson brothers.
I love basketball and welcome professional tough play to Syracuse. But, we have enough problems with bullies here. It would be a deep stain on the fabric of this community if the team is allowed to set up shop here under its current trademarked identification.
No more bullies in Syracuse; not even professional ones.
